New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski yells to the crowd during a rally Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, in Boston to celebrate Sunday's 34-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game in Houston. Elise AmendolaAP

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski yells to the crowd during a rally Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, in Boston to celebrate Sunday's 34-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game in Houston. Elise AmendolaAP

"I partied for them, I chugged beers for them, I had to," Gronkowski, whose back surgery in December forced him to the sidelines, told reporters about the fans. "It's just unbelievable, I love them so much."

Gronk to reporters on the fans: "I partied for them, I chugged beers for them, I had to. It's just unbelievable, I love them so much."